2009 Yamaha R1 Motorcycle Review

[THECOMMITTEEMG]

R6 is always been the best looking out of all of them

[pussycatmotanel]

GIVE ME ONE HOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ironmedic]

i love my 09 R1! i have the black and yellow one! the engine is just very smooth and the powerband feels very smooth through the shifts. i hate the fact my seat feels like im sitting on a stove though!

[6560441]

Those headlights make that bike look awesome.

[rajuking06]

Yamaha is best always

[rmcld]

what a beauty

[makial007]

i am used to watching car reviews.. they are funny ..,and cool...like Top Gear.... Bike reviews suck...the bikes Rock

[RikunoFilms]

@makial007 top gear? really? Those guys are so fake and have no idea what they are talking about and always state the obvious that most people would already know. Also they fake alot of the stuff on the show...so much even the BBC admitted to it...like their fake caravan blaze....or their "Ferrari test drive". A Bunch of posers on that show that have people drive for them. Also the show is so scripted...its embarrassing to watch. And 3 guys acting and doing a car show together...really???

[lionbutcher]

I like r1 engine sound.

[ryno2085]

Eastern Creek FTW!

[joshshoot]

the older version form 07 looked better :S 

[YoGuy121]

the front lights make the bike look like it wants to eat you

its scary

[gtomachine710]

2006 is best year of all.

[Jude2Mahoney]

I actually like the look of the newest R1. I didn't at first, but it grew on me. It's odd looking, but there's a certain unusual edge to it which I find appealing. To each their own I guess.

[throttlehard]

Newer bikes just keep getting more and more uglier. I like my 2001 YZFr1. It's what spawned everthing else that came after.

[LuiJoTD]

Get that guy a pair of sunglasses or he'll become an asian...

[mrbrookb386]

god its such a nice bike

[gemin1962]

Kushitani Hamamatsu Company President Mr.Hizashi Kushitani

one of the top racing leather suit maker that they called Kushitani Hamamatsu with a oval symbol mark on the shoulder.

is a member of International illegal Drug Trafficking Syndicate Organization.

A Damn! dangerous complicated Criminal with Lawless attitude!!

[1thinkexist1]

What's this bike like as a Sunday cruiser? Don't really want to flog the bike lest I crash into something and end up like my uncles, but I don't just want to buy a cruiser and spend the whole time on it wishing I could accelerate faster. How long until you end up with a bad back?

[protaper15f]

the yamaha i think was the 2007 r1

[mrgoodcat8x56r]

guys i have to say i love my new R1, i also have an 04. i run both at VIR and saying as just an everyday rider/ track squid, i can really feel the difference in the two. i feel much much more comfortable pushing out of corners on the new one. and the power come on much faster and stays there all the way up to red. i love this thing.

[gabilup]

How about used bike no insurance?

Gets you down a lot on the price

[CresentX]

Looks like the majority has spoken here, I've also checked the insurance for R1, almost 3K, even though I'm over 25 with good driving records. Oh well, R6 it is.

[delitemyheart]

Go for it brother...get the R1 and enjoy. Just be sensible thats all. On a race track..ok. You can ride the tits off it! But on the Road were there are cars,fences and walls..just ride sensible.

You can kill yourself on a 125 or 1000cc on public roads. At the end of the day it how much control and sensibilty you have.

I say get the R1...but just be sensible. If you want to give it a fang get up early on a sunday morn n go for a bit of a fang. But thats it...or unless you go to a race track.

[blackmamba5000]

well said bro, ive seen people here in south florida ride so crazy. its just about being sensible ..thats for sure.

[Feijoada1]

@blackmamba5000 I dont ride crazy. I ride everyday to work on my Gixxer 750. Daily rider.

[CresentX]

I just finished my first season with Ninja 250, would it be a good idea to get R1 for next season?

[LetMeSeeThis99]

why don't you give a 600cc a try before jumping on a liter...

i been riding the R6 and jump on the R1.. totally different bike.. low end power is just amazing.. and i can't imagine the top high... but if you're not ready for a liter.... you should def start half way there first..

[Finnsailor4]

well, if you're not an idiot, than it's ok! but take it easy, get used to it first, cuz' these bikes sometimes got too much power!

and wear a helmet!!! ;-)

[seemless1134]

a 250? i wouldnt go from a 250 to a 1000. get an r6

[KingWarren2018]

if its not a yamaha its not a sports bike

[Epoq]

Oh shut up. -_-

[GreekWarrior21]

guys i have 12.000$ to spare for a bike what should i get r1cbr1000 ninza or gsx-r 1000 ???plz reply!!!!

[shinjaclan]

lol. go to some motorcycle dealers and try sitting on each bike. see which one you fill comfortable with since they all go pretty fast

[BrelogEdmonds1]

Go with the r1 all day best performance for the money...

[mikeszx10r]

performance yes, but for the money... i'd have to say zx10r

[gianniskg]

yamaha r1 is the best!

[KingWarren2018]

u should get u a yamaha yzf r1 !!!!!!!!! better than all of those bikes if its not a yamaha its not a sports bike

[MrTranslucentVIDZ]

r1 defiantly

[yodantheman25]

ninja

[mikeszx10r]

if you're 25 year old with a license, go test ride them all. unless you take them to the track the differences is really small, it's just the matter of adjusting to it.

[CroswhiteK]

I'm about 6 feet tall. How do you guys think I would fit on this bike?

[nostalgicimprints]

me too r1guy88

[r1guy88]

my senses are in love with this bike -_-.

[murilomigliatti]

Perca de tempo do caralhu vendu ess video........

vai se fude americano fdp, vai arruma o que fazer..

[waverider]

for pete's sake, who cares what the bike looks like. it's the performance we should be after. look at the desmos in motogp. it talks the talk but can't walk the walk. trust me guys, the r1 is fantastic. you stand close to it and you start to drool.

[brazzr]

i luved the styling of r1s until they brought out the 09 model.

[dukviper90]

man, id rather have the r6 just because of the styling. geez..

[mrchoppaboy]

the headlights look like shrimp eyes

[lvtodrum]

wow..applause....what about the R6?

[vithaj92]

I hate the stickers, why do the japs never learn that stickers are for toys and not big motorcycles!

[supervetteC6]

to me it looks nice. Yamaha has the best styling in the sport bike world

[redduke999]

Those headlamps! Scary! Reminds me of hermit crab eyes. Not impressed with that front end at all. It just looks too bug like and a little overdone.

[apekatterjens]

i can't understand why so many peoples "hate" the look of the supersport bikes...

I LOVE THEM

[born2makk2007]

@redduke999 shut up faggot it looks great, ur mom looks like a bug

[VelocityX7]

@born2makk2007 Wow dude, chill out. He's allowed to have his own opinion, damn.

[redduke999]

@born2makk2007 uhmm seriously??? I love my bug looking mom! Thanks man.

[bricelee361]

@redduke999 The GSXR still has the worst front end though. It looks like you hit a bird at 150 mph and it became transparent. The R6 is the best looking imo. The R1 is just an awesome bike. The GSXR has always been powerful and the CBR i havent looked into much.

[BubeNovakovic1234]

good performer but ugly

[pugangel11]

I have the 04 but I really want the new one now.

[Devilbat]

Why cant the turning signals be flush into the fairing or on the side mirrors..

[55nick15]

i wonder why they dont just do that from factory, everyone goes out and buys the flat ones anyway haha

[gurney85]

D.O.T standards and regulations. Requirements to limit possibility of legal liabilities and the truth about legal requirement to qualify for roadworthiness, thus the big ass rear fender and ample reflectors.

Flushmounts are not D.O.T compliant and would disqualify them from sale as road legal in US and EU.

Thus the aftermarket...buy yer bike and feed the aftermarket.

[55nick15]

good reply. thanks!

[JesterNM22]

Anything can be changed, besides I dont know about you but... I dont buy a bike cuz of turnsignals, I buy it because of an absolutly incredible trill of the ride, comfert and the torque rush is just soooo fun and will put a smile on any adrinaline junkies face faster then you can blink and see the speedo clear 100, yes it's that fast.

[Devilbat]

Thats scary

[smaypilot]

Yamaha I think you guys are right on track with this new model. I like the new styling and the performance enhancements are directed in the right places. I started of with an FZR 600, than went to the VFR with the V4 and now am on an Aprilia Tuono. Love the drive and torque of a twin but miss the smoothness of an inline 4 or V4. Always been a fan though of Yamaha (probably because it was my first bike) and R1s. Its sounds like the balance I'm looking for in a bike. Good job Yamaha.

[guttsu]

I don't fully understand why the R1 has dual exhausts. I mean, he said they're titanium, which is light, but to me it seems like it would be a weight disadvantage. Does anyone know the benefits of dual exhaust?

[currygoat23]

Just so everyone knows, The R1 is the bike of the year. Don't take my word for it, if you watch world superbike racing, my man Ben Spies is consistantly making Pole position for the last 6 races. Being this is his first year and he does'nt know all the circuites and he's on a new bike. Haga on the Ducati has his work cut out for him. R1 is takin over!

[noturavgman81]

I think Ben is riding on a bike that is maybe just a little better than the R1 you get from the dealer. Maybe in 3 -4 years you'll be able to buy something close to his 2009 YZR- M1 (he doesnt ride an R1)

[ESCAPEDCONVICT01]

it looks beautiful in yellow :)

[kcole939]

Wow, sounds so lame. R1's have never produced the most power of the liter bikes, but at least they sounded good. Now they messed even that up with this crossplain ignition.

[jaffinito]

yea that shit almost sounds like a v-twin now

[FunkyBass]

i really like that they kept the tach analog instead of going digital, i feel like i cant get info at a glance with those.

[jaisez]

Hey guys, love some of the comments.. but when you test drive it the beauty comes from within as soon as you twist the throttle.. its awesome.. you end up getting of the bike and saying wow that hot! its about rider feed back and control with power and after test riding it, its every thing they say it is!

[Jepojee]

Drove a 2009 R1 today and I have to say: that new cross-plane engine is a PEACH! It seems to have all the upsides of a V-twin in the lower revs, and the mindblowing performance of the tight inline-fours. And the sound is epic...!

[julionica]

the only thing I hate about this new r1 is the back; it looks so thick with the mufflers.. it looks like a freaking trunk of a car.

[rwpeaches]

kinda looks like a praying mantis from the front. looks gud tho

[smarteeee123abc]

For the power to weight ratio.

I drag race a busa and the odd 50 kg difference makes it much more of a handful controlling

[scottATL24]

Just curious what do you run on your busa. I used to drag a busa and i would average a 9.80 my fastest was 9.66. I got sick of it bc every other busa or bike people were terrible. I did not see one stock hayabusa even at a low ten. I would try to tell them to launch at 8grand but they said i was nuts. I missed second gear once ran a 10.00. I still go to the drag but I love road courses more then anything now. Might see what i can pull of on a zx14.

[smarteeee123abc]

Well the 2009 R1 maybe good around a corner but fails this year on the 1/4 mile

[scottATL24]

I hate it when you go to a video about a bike and somebody says ohhh the zx10 is way better. First of all i understand the new 09 looks like crap but it will out perform any bike buy a mile on the track and street after overall testing. But when it comes down to it its all about personal preference. I like the zx10 but prefer the R1. Yes if they could fix the way this bike looks it would be the greatest bike of all time in my opinion. How does the R1 always disappoint. It has always been awesome

[smarteeee123abc]

Well the 2009 R1 maybe good around a corner but fails this year on the 1/4 mile

[scottATL24]

Very true. That is a different style of racing. If I wanted something to win on the drag I would get a zx14 or a busa. I dont know who in there right mind would think of that when you are talking about a road course bike.

[noturavgman81]

Greatest bike of all time? Are you serious? Its not even the best R1 of all time (Id go with 07). Overweight, lost 4-6 hp, literbike are not supposed to sound like V-Twins, and for the first time its an ugly bike

[scottATL24]

I rode a 04 07 and 09 at the track and the loss of horse power is deff worth it. It comes out of the corner way harder and in more control. The bike is perfect for traffic with the drive modes. The sound is bad so i put a graves system on and its awesome. But even so i wouldnt judge a bike on how it sounds especially when it performs like it does. So to answer your question yes I am serious. If you prefer the 07 then at least you are happy.

[noturavgman81]

That may be so as far as coming out of the corner better than previous year R1's but Yam isnt even in the same sentence as the Honda in (their brakes are amazing) through (lightest most stable liter bike) or out (the engine is superb and bike has best power to weight ratio). And the Yamaha cant touch the Zuki or Kawa in the straights (well maybe the Zuki) and definately is not gonna outrun the Honda. Im not a Honda fanboy but for the second year in a row they have made the best bike

[scottATL24]

The most important thing for me is the cornering technology. I want mine to be quick and safe. The power will be there. yes not at much as other bikes. I think yamaha had there priorities straight. When designing. I am talking about rode racing and after riding all those bikes I believe it when i read that the r1 beat everthing on the track and 2nd place was more then a second behind. You went all over the map with each bike and their qualities. I was talking overall.

[noturavgman81]

Yes the did. It was MCN's biased as always halfassed test your talking about. When you do a controlled test they shouldnt only make sure the tires are the same but that all riders ride all the bikes not just take the quickest times of a single rider per bike. And as far as tech goes Honda keeps making quicker, lighter, more nimble bikes and now they have ABS which actually works. You can go in harder and safer. I like the R1 thats all I own but I give credit where credit is due.

[scottATL24]

I read that in more then one test. In the end I have riden all of the thousands and own every single on except the ducati and suzuki. My cbr would never beat me on my r1. Yes the abs brakes are amazing but i dont feel the quickness and lighterness at all. So let me say this one more time. I HAVE RIDDEN ALL OF THEM AND IT IS MY PERSONAL OPINION THAT THE R1 OVER IS BETTER. last comment.

[noturavgman81]

I was also talking overall. To me the Honda wins hands down. Like I said I have an 07 R1 and was looking at purchasing the 09 but after test riding and getting opinions from people who actually own the bikes Im leaning towards the Honda. That said I love Yamaha and they have made a great bike but this is the first year the have made me question thier superiority

[scottATL24]

As i mentioned i also own a 2009 honda cbr1000 got both for 18500 out the door cash deal though. So i guess here is one person who actually owns both would go with the r1. but as i mentioned way back in my first comment it really all comes down to personal preference.

[maxbg]

The 09R1 has a different engine characteristics. You cannot ride it like the normal I4 ( your riding style needs to change). Like a Vtwin, It's the ability to come out of corner fastest that wins the race. Spend more time on the bike and you will understand.

[noturavgman81]

I agree thats what wins races. but I dont agree that its the r1 thats coming out of the corner the quickest. Maybe faster than last years R1 but i'll leave it at that. Mind you I have an R1 but unlike most Im not a fanboy who wont even consider another bike let alone test one to see for themselves how their bike compares

[maxbg]

Ben spies in WSBK and Leon Camier in BSB has proven that.

[caveman357]

The ZX10 is way better. the R1 ALWAYS dissapoints

[rend05]

I own a 2006 R1 and I'm sorry but I don't care how "all new" this 2009 R1 is. It looks like crap imo. I definitely will not be trading up to a 2009. Hopefully they fix the cosmetic defects in 2010.

[leeclaire12]

macaajaj you sound like you seem to know everything, read up on things before you comment...

[macaajaj]

man whats going on with all the new bikes and cars.the new wrx r shit the new evos r shit.the new r1 is shit the new stuff is all shit......i think the designers r gettin soft

[sideshow489]

the new r1 is the best litre bike out, its a sad fact (suzuki fan)... know your shit before you start spewing b.s. out your mouth

[macaajaj]

man shut the fuck up.jump on the new o8 gsxr 1000 and then tell me the differents between the 2.dont get me wrong iv allways luvd the r1s but it seems like the new stuff on 4 wheels and 2 wheels

r goin downhill

[Devilbat]

my friend has the 2006 R1. I wanted to buy it but my friend didn't let me. So I got the 04 750. : ( Now he wants the new gsx-r 1000. Our other friend just got the white 09 R1. Looks nice. But he rides a bit crazy I hope he keeps it safe.

[poepdoos1therealone]

what a ugly bike but great sound

[ironmanPFC]

what the fuck yamaha?

[r61abe]

Sorry, I'm a Yamaha fan, but the look of the R1's remind me of the looks of a Shrimp head with its bug eyes. It might be fantastic in the handling department, but some styling is necessary. Put it into a slick looking fairing like the R6, and I might become R11ABe.

[kgroover88]

i hate the new sound it sounds like a ducati i hate it!

[Aust1mh]

I thought fanboys were only in the gaming world??

mines better mines better... retards, go back to the game consoles.

Any real rider respects other bikers and their choice of hardware.

This R1 looks a bit ugly... but i like ugly, all the cocks whom can't ride worry about LOOKS.

[trendsetter37]

so tru...its about performance and ridability not so much looks...i'm tryin to pic up the raven one in about a month

[TheMachRider]

the bike looks awful in showrooms and in magazines, but so did the 2008 CBR1000RR... and that's what I have in my garage. these bikes look pretty good in person when there arent hundreds of shiny lights all over the place. i hated the new R1 until I saw it in person. now all i have to do is ride one to truly appreciate it

[jam3sb95]

K9 is better

[taurus0001]

right, and cheaper.

[xXMCLAXx]

MV agusta F4 312R still best bike..

[TIANGEL1]

sry my 1098r is the best bike =] i have the r312 but not the same at all compared to my 1098r but a new r1 on the way

[28hourslater]

Oh come on, who ya kidding. It's about 30% more expensive to buy, costs about 50% more to maintain, and has half the reliability. So you do the maths - which is the best bike?

[airhead187]

OMG WTF happened to the headlights!!! I'm a Yamaha Yzf series fanatic....but WTFH!!! happened to the headlights....NOOOOOOOOOOO how could they do such a thing. I guess I'll be buying the 2008 model. So much for waiting til 09. *Crys and Sobs over the keyboard*

[sparklysparks77]

Some crime, huh?

I hope they put this engine on an FZ1 with revised fuel injection, a rational compression ratio, an effective fairing, and a slimmer fuel tank.That bike I would buy.

[BigBassTurd]

And the winner for the most ugliest bike of 2009 is......... drum roll please........................­.......The R1.

It may have an awesome motor, but WTF with that fat arse ugly exhaust and the front end looks like a praying mantis with down syndrome.

I'll stick with the Fireblade.

[LetSRedLiNe]

r1 is ugly but itll smoke any other 2009 bike on a track or on open highway

[sikkre2006]

Not quite. In USA we kick this R1's arse pretty badly in straight line drags. It's lacking alot up on top, just wait and you will see how a K8 Gixxer or a CBR 1000 goes against this lemon hahaha.

[28hourslater]

You need to see it in the flesh, and it grows on you. I originally hated it, but have just placed an order for one...it'll eat the blade and spit it out

[trendsetter37]

Def. grows on you in person...went to see it today with my ridin buddy and he hated the way it looked until we went to the bike shop..now thats all he wants is the 09 r1

[asianstyle123]

if u star on the r1 u will not die. first of all don't ride like a jerk, or jackass, or dump ass. respect the bike and give time for you and the bike to become one, know your limited, just take it easy. if u don't a 50cc scooter will kill you......................

[hgjisnfdlishdjthlre]

mcn reckons the R1 is king ;) beat the cbr.

[Strelitz50]

My first bike was ZX-10R, R1, then moving a GSXR1000 all across the state in rush hour, but I did come from drag racing Mustang, so I had alot of respect for the power. I won't lie neautral was really hard to find, but other than that no major issues.

Love the liter bikes

[DrumGod22]

I'd become a prostitute to get one of these things. no lie. put me on the corner! lol

[Badassbok]

If I wanted great torque I would buy a V-twin. But straight four is for ultimate power is for ultimate top speed. torque is secondary. And I still prefer the look of the 09 Honda Blade.

Still, it should be an interesting battle in the WSBK this year...

[hgjisnfdlishdjthlre]

i think the extra torque is the side effect, the main point is that it's got major traction out of the corner that obviously aids accelaration, and the cbr is kinda ugly, but i do apriciate the new style bikes.

[bguo68]

yes, 08-09 cbr has a ugly face and 09 r1 got a ugly ass! what about 09 gsxr? ugly exhaust as well. my 05 r1 is still the best looking jap bike on the market. but talk about performance, 09 r1 will smoke them all. MCN has just tested 09 cbr and r1, r1 is the winner!

[hgjisnfdlishdjthlre]

yeah i know they tested it, tbh i like the looks of the R1, but for overall looks your R1 isn't the best jap bike on the market, in my opinion the new R6 is :)

[shoaibtube]

hey guys....are these colr schemes available for sale?

like the yellow and black combo....

coz there are only black white and blue available as i have herd

[shoaibtube]

the yellow and black combo looks hot!

hopefully im getting a R1 in 2011!

coz im just 16 now!!

lol

[aluisious]

I hope you're riding a smaller bike now so you'll be ready.

[mikisaikano]

one question: im 25 and i just have riden enduro and cross no more than 250 cc and i want to start with this bike or the bmw k 1300 r, you think i need more training?

[aluisious]

It's a huge jump in weight and power, but enduro bikes are taller so I doubt you'll have major control issues.

I'd say if you have experience driving cars on the road, then go for it. You just don't want to mix your first experience of powerful, heavy street bikes with your first experience of traffic. Too much new stuff to cope with at one time.

[Bullride911]

if you start with a 1000 you will die

[desmoexclamation]

this year the yamaha it has made one beautiful bike, nice design, nice sound, but the Ducati Demosedici RR sound is unsurpassable for me.

[aluisious]

Yeah, and the Desmo RR price is unsurpassable too ^^

[bvivers]

Sounds like Rossi's bike.

[jmoney359]

sick bike yamaha rocks

[natedog400]

I want one

[r3mco14]

beautiful sound looks like the bike sound of rossi very nice

[motoedge]

When I first saw the pics I didn't like the headlights but after I saw it at a couple of the motorcycle shows, she's grown on me :) Hey, who said you can't customize the look a bit? What's important is how she rides...and it sounds like from the review that the R1 can do just that!

[BongoNL]

Very VERY bad sound!

[LueShong]

I wish i was tall enough to sit one.....

[drummerk5]

hate the headlights and cans, love the engine.

[chick5581]

i was bored and i knew that all i needed was some youtube and yes your videos have been keeping me entertained

[RGT220A]

Looks beautiful. I gotta get one too.

[CrapWhisperer]

Looks fantastic. I gotta get one.

[cominotti]

Its a great bike but they did fug up the looks of it.

[viperq]

The lights looks funky

[saad1505]

I like don't like the new look, =(

[lilneezy007]

Ugly.